However, I inevitably get a number of error messages and bouncebacks, so not everyone gets their new copy. If you have a version of a pattern which does not have its errors corrected, and you would like one, contact me with details of your original purchase and I will send you the latest.

Tension
Avoid tension headaches by making a note of the tension of the yarn used in the project. Note, this is different to the tension stated in the project itself - for example, a project may use a 4ply yarn knitted at a very loose tension. You need to find the 'stated' tension (usually printed on the ball band). If the yarn used in the original design has a stated tension of 18sts/24rows over 10cm, and you can find another yarn with the same tension, that is a fairly good indicator that you may be on your way to finding a suitable substitute. While you are investigating tension, you may as well make a note of the 'weight' of the original yarn (ie 4ply, DK, aran, chunky).

Fibre
You know what tension you need, and what weight of yarn. It's also worth considering the fibre blend. If possible, finding a yarn that has a similar fibre blend is one way of ensuring that the fabric you knit behaves in a similar way to the fabric the designer created. For example, substituting an aran weight 100% silk for an aran weight 100% wool will give very different results because the two fibres have very different attributes.

Yardage
How much yarn do you need? Go back to the original pattern and you will find the number of skeins or balls of yarn to complete the project, and likely, also, the number of metres/yards of yarn per ball. Multiply the one by the other will give you a total yardage. If you know how many metres/yards are in a ball of your substitute yarn, it is simple maths to work out how many you need.

Swatch
Whether you're substituting yarn or not, you can't skip this stage. It's the only way to check that your tension matches the tension given in the pattern - if it doesn't, you won't knit a garment that's the same size as given in the pattern's measurements.

A sweet summer sweater designed to show off the beauty of hand-painted yarns, with a contrast cotton trim and envelope neckline.

To fit size 32 (34: 36: 38: 40: 44: 48: 52) inches
Finished size 32 (34: 36: 38: 40: 44: 48: 52) inches

Knit in A) Koigu KPPPM 100% merino in P1573 50gm (160m) 5 (6: 6: 7: 7: 8: 8: 9) skeins and B) Rowan 4ply Cotton in 153 Cream 50gm (170m) 1 (1: 2: 2: 2: 2: 2: 3) balls

Suggested alternatives include A) Socks that Rock Lightweight, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Claudia Handpainted Yarns Fingering, Madeline Tosh Sock and B) Patons 100% Cotton 4ply, Sirdar Luxury Soft Cotton, Bendigo Woolen Mills Cotton 4ply

Tension: 28 sts and 32 rows to 10cm in stocking stitch using 3mm needles.

First published 2007

£4 - on payment you will be sent a link to download the pattern as an electronic (pdf) file.

Please check the contents of your shopping cart before making payment as mistakes cannot be rectified after checkout.

A neat and tidy button-through vest. Has a small single pocket, and optional tubular cast- ons and offs to all ribbed edges. Easy to wear, easy to make - what could be nicer?

To fit bust: (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) inches
Finished size: (33, 35, 37, 39, 41) (43, 45, 47, 49, 51) inches

Knit in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK in Shade 03 - 50gm (110m) (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) (8, 8, 9, 10, 11) balls
Suggested alternatives include Rowan Felted Tweed DK, Queensland Collection Kathmanud DK, RYC Silk Wool DK, Sublime Yarns Extra Fine Merino Wool DK

Tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm using 4mm needles.

NB: Read more about the tubular cast on method here.
And more about the tubular (sewn) cast off method here.

First published 2007

£3.50 - on payment you will be sent a link to download the pattern as an electronic (pdf) file.

Please check the contents of your shopping cart before making payment as mistakes cannot be rectified after checkout.

The grown-up version of a nursery smock, with pearl buttons fastening and as a detail at the moss stitch cuffs, and a deep, wide neckline. The mock smocking and cabling detail give a slight empire line and a swinging silhouette. Dress up with a narrow skirt and heels, or down with wide leg jeans and an oversized shopper.

To fit bust 34 (36: 38: 40: 42) inches
Actual size 36 [38: 40: 42: 44] inches

Knit in Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora (now discontinued) 50gm (90m) 8 [9: 9: 10: 10] balls
Suggested alternatives include Sublime Yarns Baby Cashmere Merino, Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton, Rowan All Seasons Cotton

Tension: 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm using 5mm needles.

First published 2005

£4 - on payment you will be sent a link to download the pattern as an electronic (pdf) file.

Please check the contents of your shopping cart before making payment as mistakes cannot be rectified after checkout.

I know that some of the yarns used in my designs have unfortunately been discontinued, and I've tried to give ideas for alternatives. You may also find this link useful: Some notes on substituting yarn...

You will need some understanding of basic knitting stitches (knitting and purling, casting on and off, increasing and decreasing stitches) to make these designs - these are knitting patterns, not 'how-to-knit' tutorials! Most local yarn shops will be able to put you in touch with knitting classes aimed at beginner, intermediate and even expert knitting to set you on the road to creating your own beautiful knitwear. If you are unsure of how to work any of the given stitches, www.knittinghelp.com is an extremely useful resource.

If you still have a query, please contact Anna:
anna@needleandhook.co.uk

My Fashionable Life

A classic cardigan, with deep ribs at hem and cuff, updated with an asymmetric fastening. The lattice stitch pattern shows off a beautifully soft yarn in soft, flattering colours. Finished with faux pearl buttons.

To fit bust 32 (34: 36: 38: 40: 42) inches
Actual size 34.5: [36.5: 39: 41: 43: 45.5] inches

Knit in Karabella Margrite in Shade 06 - 50gm (140m) 7 [8: 8: 9: 9] balls
Suggested alternatives include Rowan Wool Cotton, Brown Sheep Naturespun Sport, Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, Sublime Yarns Extra Fine Merino

Tension: 22 sts and 34 rows to 10cm using 4mm needles.

First published 2006

This pattern will be available here soon. To be notified of its publication, please click here.

A neat, sweet summer cardigan with short, slightly full sleeves, defined at the waist with a drawstring tie. Ribbed cuffs and hem. Textured with an all-over ‘little birds’ pattern. Button and press-stud fastening. Wear with a full, 50s-style skirt, capri pants, or style like Katherine Hepburn with Oxford bags.

To fit bust 32 (34: 36: 38: 40) inches
Actual size 33 (35: 37: 39: 41) inches

Knit in Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton in Carmen- 50gm (100m [109 yards]) 6 [6: 7: 7: 8] balls
Suggested alternatives include Tahki Cotton Classic, Debbie Bliss Cotton DK, Classic Elite Yarns Provence, Sublime Yarns Organic Cotton DK, Rowan Cotton DK

Tension: 22 sts and 30 rows in cable pattern to 10cm using 4mm needles.

First published 2006

£4 - on payment you will be sent a link to download the pattern as an electronic (pdf) file.

Please check the contents of your shopping cart before making payment as mistakes cannot be rectified after checkout.